How to Troubleshoot Steam Kettles
Steam kettles come in a variety of sizes and styles for different applications, from food preparation to the familiar whistle kettle for preparing a cup of tea. All kettles operate under the same principle, which is to heat water to the boiling point (212 degrees Fahrenheit under normal conditions at sea level), converting the water to steam. Troubleshooting the kettle is mainly a matter of checking the seals to be sure the water pressure can reach a point under high heat where it will steam. Depending on where you live, hard water conditions can also affect steam kettle performance. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Pipe cleaners
- Distilled vinegar
- Hot mitts
- Replacement gasket
- Rubber cement
Instructions
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1
Push the end of a pipe cleaner through the hole in the cap/whistle of the steam kettle, pulling the pipe cleaner back and forth to clean the hole.
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2
Pour one part distilled vinegar to three parts water into the steam kettle and close the lid.
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3
Plug in the power cord for an electric steam kettle or set a stove burner to the highest heat and place the kettle on the burner. Watch for leaks around the base, lid and cap of the kettle as the water and vinegar solution begins to heat. Bring to a boil. The vinegar helps dissolve mineral deposits and cleans the interior of the steam kettle so water will boil faster.
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4
Remove the kettle from the heat with hot mitts.
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5
Raise the pour spout with the cap and whistle to check the rubber gasket underneath. If the gasket is cracked or crumbles to the touch, peel it off and replace with another gasket of the same diameter using a thin bead of rubber cement around the rim of the gasket. Press firmly onto the underside of the cap and let dry for 24 hours.
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Tips & Warnings
Rubber gaskets are available at hardware and home improvement stores.
Use hot mitts when handling steam kettles.
References
- Photo Credit Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images
